MPs support plan for Lords and Commons to move out for refit

MPS HAVE supported both Houses of Parliament moving out during the multi-billion-pound restoration programme.

They committed to a “full and timely decant” after deleting sections from a motion which would have allowed them to kick into the long grass the need for “comprehensive works” at the Unesco World Heritage Site.

A body would also be established to provide up-to-date costings of the work and a “realistic” timetable for the repairs.

The amendment was tabled by Public Accounts Committee chairwoman Meg Hillier and was viewed as a way of ensuring more rapid progress to repair the Palace of Westminster compared with two motions tabled by Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom.

But Conservative former Minister Sir Edward Leigh warned during the debate that Ms Hillier’s amendment could result in MPs leaving Parliament for up to 12 years and effectively authorise the spending of £5bn during a time of “unparalleled austerity”.

Ms Hillier’s amendment was supported by 236 votes to 220 – majority 16. The amended motion was then voted upon and approved by 234 votes to 185, majority 49. Peers are to consider the restoration and renewal of the palace on February 6.

A Minister was among 47 MPs who have supported calls for the Government to examine relocating Parliament away from the Palace of Westminster.

Communities Minister Jake Berry, who is responsible for the Northern Powerhouse and devolution, joined backbench colleagues Kevin Foster and Marcus Fysh in supporting the amendment tabled by the SNP.

During the debate Pete Wishart, the SNP’s Commons leader, said: “I have a very elegant solution for the difficulties and travails of this House.

“And that is to consider to make this beautiful building a tourist attraction for people from all around the world. There is immense development opportunities in this Unesco heritage building, and let’s design and create a Parliament for the 21st century.

“One that would be useful for 21st century parliamentarians, not try and shoehorn all this activity into a mock-Gothic Victorian tourist attraction.”